We were able to spend a few weekends at the ranch this month-I took the kids while Tim was on trek with the older kids, and then we were also able to go with Mike & Mark and their families.
The trips were filled with elaborate sand cities, mud fights, swimming in the lake, laughing into the wee hours of the night with games, eating great food outside in great weather, feeding the horses apples, and basically enjoying nature. One of these days we will all have to show up together and create more memories!
Sarah and Nathan had the great opportunity to attend Pioneer Trek in July with Tim. We pulled together pioneer outfits from thrift store finds, and Sarah took the time to make her own bonnet, as well as sew matching pockets on her apron. Tim went as "port-a-potty" guy, and if you want more details than that, you will have to ask him...let's just say he was a saint for the part he played in this trek. All three fared well-no dehydration, minor blisters, etc. One of the last days was filled with square dancing-and Tim documented it all.
Pioneer Day is almost as big as July 4th-even though we saw only a smidgen of the parade, we celebrated downtown afterwards-Nathan was even nice enough to come with us, even though it was a celebration clearly marked for little kids (he was really tempted to get a picture with Annakin).
July 4th has "ROUTINE" written all over it.
Parade in the morning (the louder you clap, the more candy you get...the kids are all over that-the poor parents that innocently sit next to our family and can't get any candy for their kids), money scramble and balloon toss in the afternoon, and a live band and fireworks at dusk. This year Ben took his metal detector to the wood shavings after the money scramble was over-he found almost $20! We had a ball looking with him while the older kids were more disgusted that we would be so keen on looking for nickels. Are you seeing a theme in our festivities? Candy and Money...need I say more? 
July 4th has "ROUTINE" written all over it. Parade in the morning (the louder you clap, the more candy you get...the kids are all over that-the poor parents that innocently sit next to our family and can't get any candy for their kids), money scramble and balloon toss in the afternoon, and a live band and fireworks at dusk. This year Ben took his metal detector to the wood shavings after the money scramble was over-he found almost $20! We had a ball looking with him while the older kids were more disgusted that we would be so keen on looking for nickels. Are you seeing a theme in our festivities? Candy and Money...need I say more? I still have three little ones that will do just about anything with me-Gateway Sprinklers is on our summer list every year.
And, so is free slurpee day at 7-11. And, I even held myself to only going to 2 stores...wait, I guess we did go for FHE that night as well. OK, three stores, but still-who's counting anyways when it comes a good, solid tradition? 
And,
the best for last...drumroll...Alice learned to ride her bike! I gambled and let Will completely dissect our bike trailer in hopes that Alice would be a bike rider this summer. It happened! And, now we can ride to the park for lunches instead of walking (no more NikePlus miles for me).
And, so is free slurpee day at 7-11. And, I even held myself to only going to 2 stores...wait, I guess we did go for FHE that night as well. OK, three stores, but still-who's counting anyways when it comes a good, solid tradition? And,
the best for last...drumroll...Alice learned to ride her bike! I gambled and let Will completely dissect our bike trailer in hopes that Alice would be a bike rider this summer. It happened! And, now we can ride to the park for lunches instead of walking (no more NikePlus miles for me).
1 comments:
your pictures of the ranch look sooo fun! it sounds like great times! do it again soon now that we're going to be back in town...we are so there!
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